A Career in Health Care

Health care continues to be a growing and evolving field. While you may think more immediately of doctors and nurses, it offers a wide array of career opportunities for varying interests and skill sets.

Exploring the Opportunities
Nursing is one of the more familiar health care jobs, but there are infinite possibilities within the profession. For example, food service workers and nutritionists or dietitians play a critical role in the dietary and nutritional needs of patients. Housekeeping or environmental service employees are the backbone of hospitals, keeping the environment clean to optimize healing and prevent infections. Patient advocates or sitters provide patients with help, guidance or observation to ensure safety throughout their stay. Patient care techs assist nurses while other techs help in the operating room or clean instruments for use in surgical and procedural areas. Maybe you’re called to be a nurse or physician or maybe you’re interested in one of these other careers. 

Going Beyond Science
You don’t necessarily have to love science or be good at biology to excel in a health care role. While that is critical for some jobs, those who make the best health care workers are people who are passionate about helping others. It takes a strong desire to work with others and to see their success, health and healing. People in the customer service industry often make wonderful health care workers because they have that innate interest to help others. It’s a great option for those considering a career change as well as those just starting off in their careers — even right after high school — as it offers many opportunities to grow.

Finding Your Place
You can choose from a multitude of health care settings. As one of the largest not-for-profit organizations in the country and one of the largest employers in the state of Missouri, BJC HealthCare offers a great deal of opportunities and benefits. These range from continuing education and tuition reimbursement to medical benefits, paid time off and a pension plan. Being part of a large network also allows you to start in one area — like food and nutrition — and grow into another — like nursing or radiology. It affords limitless opportunities to diversify your career with wonderful benefits at the same time.

If you’re interested in a rewarding career, visit BJC.org/jobs to explore available jobs at hospitals throughout the region. You can also join the Talent Network to identify your interests and match with posted jobs.

Lauren Beckmann, RN, BSN, is vice president of patient care services and chief nurse officer for Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital and Progress West Hospital.